The Principal Secretary (PS) for Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, has announced an embargo on sugar imports by local sugar milling companies, declaring that Kenya has attained sufficient production capacity to satisfy the country’s domestic sugar demand.
The move is aimed at protecting local farmers, strengthening the sugar industry and reducing reliance on imported sugar.
Speaking during the official opening of the 10th Campus of the Kenya School of Agriculture at the former Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre in Seme Constituency, Kisumu County, Dr. Ronoh said Kenya’s sugar sector has recorded remarkable growth, with monthly production rising from about 40,000 metric tonnes to more than 80,000 metric tonnes.
He noted that the increase demonstrates the success of reforms undertaken by the government and the commitment among farmers to expand sugarcane production.
“Our priority is to protect our farmers and ensure they benefit from their hard work. Kenya now has the capacity to produce enough sugar for its people, and there is no justification for continued importation by our sugar factories, while local cane remains unharvested,” said Dr. Rono.
The Principal Secretary warned millers against neglecting locally grown sugarcane, urging them to harvest cane from Kenyan farmers before considering any imports. He further reminded millers that the law requires farmers to receive payment within five days after delivering their sugarcane, saying delayed payments discourage production and undermine the government’s efforts to revive the sector.
“We expect all millers to comply fully with the law by paying farmers within five days after delivering their cane. Timely payments will restore farmers’ confidence, increase production and secure the future of the sugar industry,” he added.
Dr. Rono also challenged farmers to embrace climate-smart and modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity and build resilience against climate change.
He said mechanisation, improved farming practices and the adoption of new technologies remain critical in increasing yields, improving household incomes and guaranteeing food security across the country.
The PS commended the strong partnership between the National and County governments in implementing agricultural programmes, describing the collaboration as a key driver of agricultural transformation and industrialisation.
He said investments in agricultural training institutions will equip farmers and extension officers with practical skills needed to modernise the sector.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, welcomed the handover of the Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre to the Kenya School of Agriculture, describing it as a landmark achievement that will strengthen agricultural education and innovation in the region.
“Transforming agriculture into a competitive and sustainable enterprise begins with investing in knowledge, innovation and human capital. Today, the Kisumu County Government has officially handed over the Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre to the Kenya School of Agriculture, as its 10th Campus, marking a significant milestone in strengthening agricultural education and skills development,” said Governor Nyong’o.
He said the partnership between the County and National Governments, will expand access to accredited training in agribusiness, horticulture, livestock management and dairy production, creating opportunities for farmers, extension officers and young agripreneurs to acquire practical skills that will enhance productivity and improve livelihoods.
“This collaboration will equip our farmers and young people with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance productivity, strengthen food security and drive sustainable agricultural transformation. Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and investing in training is investing in the future of our people,” the Governor added.
The opening of the Kenya School of Agriculture’s 10th Campus is expected to boost agricultural research, innovation and farmer training in the Lake Region, while supporting the government’s broader agenda of achieving food security, creating employment and promoting value addition in the agricultural sector.
By Absalom Namwalo (PCO)
